TCF-S Temperature Compensating Focuser
TCF-S focuser body shown with 2" to 1" adapter.
Mechanically, the TCF-S is a robust Crayford style motorized focuser with high repeatability, no play and nearly zero backlash of only 0.0013 inch. Optec's implementation is ideal for applications which require exact focus such as CCD imaging or film astrophotography. A geared stepper motor rotates the drive shaft with one step rotation of the motor equal to a 0.000086 inch movement of the drawtube. The unit adds 3.5 inches to the telescope's back-focus as measured from the front to the end of the drawtube when at the mid-focus position. The total travel of the drawtube is 0.6 inches or 7000 steps. A pair of pushbuttons control the direction of focus and the DRO (digital read-out) displays the current position. The TCF-S focuser can easily handle cameras and instrument packages weighing up to 10 pounds. The TCF-S can be used by itself or with a PC for automatic focus with some of the popular camera control software.
TCF-S with standard items
The most important advantage of the TCF-S is its ability to compensate for the focal shift of the telescope due to temperature change. The image plane of the common SCT telescope with aluminum tube can change as much as 0.01 inch per degree Celsius. This would make long exposures difficult at best.
- Heavy-duty Crayford style 2" focuser
Compensates for focal shift due to temperature - Supports instruments up to 10 pounds
- Easy to use control box
- Use with or without a PC
- 4-digit readout for position
- Simple Learn procedure for determing TC
- Shut-off procedure remembers last position
- Compatible with major camera control software for autofocus
- Free control/interface program
- Click here for further technical details
- TCF-S Control and ASCOM downloads
- TCF-S Control Help File
Specifications:
- Weight Capacity: 10 lbs. (4.5 kg) minimum
- Overall Height: 3.3" (83.8mm) fully IN to 3.9" (99mm) fully OUT
- Focuser Travel: 0.6" (15.2mm)
- Number of Steps: 7,000
- Step Resolution: 2.2 microns
- Weight: 2 lb. 8 oz. (1.1 kg)
- Clear Aperture: 2" (52.8mm)
- Back-focus Usage: 3.3" (83.8mm) to 3.9" (99mm)
